Vein Procedures

Vein Procedures

Midland Surgical Associates uses the Dornier Medtech 940 Laser for the removal of spider veins. It is state-of-the-art technology for cosmetic vein removal. Dr. Don Crockett is trained in modern techniques to eliminate this venous disorder.

The Vein Procedures can remove these unsightly veins, eliminating redness from the face or blue and red veins from the legs. The procedure is done in the comfort of our clinic in 25-minute sessions.

Since insurance companies typically believe that treatment of spider veins is cosmetic and not medically required, these procedures are not usually not covered by insurance. Each session is $350, and most patients need two to three sessions to eliminate all spider veins in a treated area.

What are Spider Veins?

A “spider vein” or telangiectasia is a term used to describe the red or blue-colored, short, jagged lines just under the skin. They are small varicose veins located just beneath the skin, but they are different from what we normally associate with varicose veins, which are larger and bulge from beneath the skin. Spider veins, on the other hand, are small and smooth to the touch.

They can appear as linear, branch-like, or may look like a spider. They most commonly appear on the face and the legs.

Spider veins are a problem for millions of Americans and cause significant social embarrassment. In some cases, they may be related to an underlying medical problem known as venous insufficiency or reflux (backwards flow of blood in the veins).

In either situation, symptoms associated with spider veins range from itching or a dull ache to throbbing pain and bleeding. An ultrasound may be necessary to verify that there is no venous insufficiency.

Treatment of Spider Veins

Laser therapy is a popular method for eliminating spider veins. Advanced technology in laser treatment has allowed for better care of larger spider veins and varicose veins. The energy from the laser interacts with the hemoglobin in the blood in the vein and causes an irritation to the inner lining of the vein. This, in turn, causes the vein to close. The vein stops carrying blood and disappears with time. This does not cause any problems with blood circulation.

The majority of people who have laser treatments experience minimal discomfort and satisfying results. Sclerotherapy is another treatment used for the removal of spider veins. In this case, a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein, causing it to close. Sclerotherapy is sometimes preferred to remove spider veins on the legs.

Treatments using the Dornier Laser are done at four-week intervals to achieve optimal results. Special vein lights allow visualization of feeding veins that may not be visible to the naked eye and can lead to a recurrence if they are not treated. The special vein lights also make treatments quicker and therefore less expensive.

Recovering from Laser Treatment for Spider Veins

Laser treatment is done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day and return to normal activities. Some bruising occasionally results for a few days, as well as some swelling and mild pain. Non-prescription medication is usually sufficient to handle this discomfort, and swelling and bruising typically resolve quickly.